1. Dr. Abdulmonem Al-Hayani MBChB, DipFMS(Lon), PhD(Aber)
Forensic Toxicology
Dr. Abdulmonem Al-Hayani
MBChB, DipFMS(Lon), PhD(Aber)
11/16/2018
Dr. Al-Hayani

2. Outcome=Aims=Goals Why this lecture? What is Forensic Toxicology?
Role of Forensic Toxicologist?
Toxins?
Drugs?
Role of GPs?
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Dr. Al-Hayani

3. Drug Abuse is Increasing
Why this lecture?
Drug Abuse is Increasing
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Dr. Al-Hayani

4. What is Forensic Toxicology
A specific area of analytical chemistry which is concerned with adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms
11/16/2018
Dr. Al-Hayani

5. Forensic Toxicologists
Toxicologist detects and identifies chemicals in the body
Types of toxicologists:
Descriptive
Mechanistic
Regulatory
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Dr. Al-Hayani

6. Role of Forensic Toxicologist
Detection
Recommend
Treatment
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Dr. Al-Hayani

7. Toxins
What?
Any substance exerting a harmful effect on a living organism
Forms?
Gaseous (e.g. CO, cyanide)
Liquids (e.g. household cleaning supplies, alcohol)
Solid (solid Drugs)
11/16/2018
Dr. Al-Hayani

8. Toxins Incidence? Unknown, could be suicidal, homicidal or accidental
Route of administration?
Oral
IV, IM
Inhalation
Skin popping
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Dr. Al-Hayani

9. Drugs Common problem in our community
Forms the majority of toxins the forensic people are dealing with
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Dr. Al-Hayani

10. Classifications Not clear in our law Suggested classification:
Narcotics or Opiates (e.g. Heroin, Morphine)
Cannabis
CNS stimulants (e.g. Amphetamines, Cocaine)
CNS Depressants (e.g. TCAD)
Hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, PCP)
Volatile Drugs (e.g. fuel, glue)
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Dr. Al-Hayani

11. Opiates
Heroin, Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, Methadone, Temgesic and Morphine
Generally injected or swallowed or snuffed
Onset is very rapid (2 min)
Detectable impairment (6-12 h)
Effects (Confusion)
11/16/2018
Dr. Al-Hayani

12. Cannabis Generally Smoked Onset is rapid (5-8 min)
Detectable impairment (3-4 h)
Effects (rapid sobering up)
Cannabinoids
11/16/2018
Dr. Al-Hayani

13. CNS Stimulants Amphetamines, Cocaine (crack)
Generally inhaled or smoked
Onset is slower
Detectable impairment (15-48 h)
Effects (Agitation)
11/16/2018
Dr. Al-Hayani

14. CNS Depressant Benzodiazepine, Valium, Temazepam Generally swallowed
Onset is medium (5-30 min)
Detectable impairment (6-12 h)
Effects (Drowsiness)
11/16/2018
Dr. Al-Hayani

15. Hallucinogens LSD, Ecstasy Generally swallowed or skin popped
Detectable impairment (8 h)
Effects (Hallucination and unpredictable behavior)
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Dr. Al-Hayani

16. Inhalants Glue, tippex, hair sprays, fuel gases Generally inhaled
Onset is very rapid (1 min)
Detectable impairment (12 h)
Effects (Euphoria)
11/16/2018
Dr. Al-Hayani

17. Your Role
Recognition
Referral
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Dr. Al-Hayani

18. Summary
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Dr. Al-Hayani

19. If You Did Not Think About It You Will Not Recognize It
Key Lesson
If You Did Not Think About It You Will Not Recognize It
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Dr. Al-Hayani

20. Questions & Comments
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Dr. Al-Hayani